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Michael J. Sandel
Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael Sandel, Justice explores critical analysis of classical and contemporary theories of justice, including discussion of present-day applications. Topics include affirmative action, income distribution, same-sex marriage, the role of markets, debates about rights (human rights and property rights), arguments for and against equality, dilemmas of loyalty in public and private life. The course invites learners to subject their own views on these controversies to critical examination.
Read more
Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael Sandel, Justice explores critical analysis of classical and contemporary theories of justice, including discussion of present-day applications. Topics include affirmative action, income distribution, same-sex marriage, the role of markets, debates about rights (human rights and property rights), arguments for and against equality, dilemmas of loyalty in public and private life. The course invites learners to subject their own views on these controversies to critical examination.
Read more
Taught by lauded Harvard professor Michael Sandel, Justice explores critical analysis of classical and contemporary theories of justice, including discussion of present-day applications. Topics include affirmative action, income distribution, same-sex marriage, the role of markets, debates about rights (human rights and property rights), arguments for and against equality, dilemmas of loyalty in public and private life. The course invites learners to subject their own views on these controversies to critical examination.
The principal readings for the course are texts by Aristotle, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, and John Rawls. Other assigned readings include writings by contemporary philosophers, court cases, and articles about political controversies that raise philosophical questions.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/fut1ph/justic
What's inside
Learning objectives
- The fundamentals of political philosophy
- An understanding of social justice and criminal justice, and the roles they play in the modern justice system
- A deeper sense of the philosophy that underlies modern issues such as affirmative action, same sex marriage, and equality
- The ability to better articulate and evaluate philosophical arguments and ask philosophical questions
- The fundamentals of political philosophy
- An understanding of social justice and criminal justice, and the roles they play in the modern justice system
- A deeper sense of the philosophy that underlies modern issues such as affirmative action, same sex marriage, and equality
- The ability to better articulate and evaluate philosophical arguments and ask philosophical questions
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Develops a foundational understanding of political philosophy
Provides an overview of classic and contemporary theories of justice
Taught by the renowned Harvard professor Michael J. Sandel
Examines pressing social issues such as affirmative action, same-sex marriage, and equality
Involves critical analysis of texts by renowned philosophers like Aristotle, John Locke, and John Rawls
May require additional readings and materials that could incur costs
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Reviews summary
Exploring classical and modern justice
According to learners, this course offers a truly thought-provoking exploration of justice, guided by Professor Michael Sandel's exceptional teaching. Many find his lectures engaging and appreciate how he makes complex philosophical theories accessible while connecting them to contemporary societal issues like affirmative action and equality. However, students consistently note that the required classic readings, such as texts by Kant and Rawls, are very challenging and dense, often requiring significant time and effort to grasp fully. While Sandel's ability to bridge theory and practice is highly praised, some learners feel supplementary materials would be beneficial for tackling the difficult texts. Overall, the course is seen as highly valuable for intellectual growth and developing critical thinking skills, provided learners are prepared for a demanding reading workload.
Connects theory to modern-day issues effectively
"...the topics are highly relevant to today's issues. Highly recommend!"
"The way he applies abstract ideas to real-world dilemmas is incredible."
"The balance of theory and contemporary issues is perfect."
"This course is a must for anyone interested in the foundations of modern ethical and political debate."
Professor Sandel makes complex ideas accessible
"Professor Sandel is brilliant and makes complex philosophy accessible. The lectures are engaging..."
"Outstanding course! Michael Sandel is a master teacher. The way he applies abstract ideas to real-world dilemmas is incredible."
"A fantastic introduction... Sandel's Socratic method is thought-provoking."
"The video lectures are great..."
Be prepared for significant time commitment
"Prepare for significant reading."
"Found the workload manageable but demanding."
"Be prepared to invest time in understanding the classic texts."
Required classic texts are dense and demanding
"The readings are challenging but rewarding."
"Some classic readings are dense, requiring multiple passes."
"The required readings were very heavy and sometimes hard to connect directly to the lectures without extra effort."
"The reading list is rigorous. Be prepared to invest time in understanding the classic texts."
"Did not meet expectations. The philosophy is too abstract, and the readings were impenetrable..."
"The video lectures are great, but the readings are very difficult for a beginner."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Justice with these
activities:
Understand key concepts of political philosophy
Show steps
Helps establish a foundation in political philosophy, which is essential for understanding and critically evaluating the arguments presented in the course.
Browse courses on
Political Philosophy
Show steps
-
Review key concepts and theories in political philosophy, such as utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Rawlsian liberalism.
-
Read introductory texts or articles on political philosophy.
Explore online tutorials on classical and contemporary theories of justice
Show steps
Provides additional resources to supplement course materials and enhance understanding of different theoretical approaches to justice.
Browse courses on
Political Philosophy
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online platforms or resources offering tutorials on political philosophy.
-
Select tutorials that cover relevant theories discussed in the course.
-
Watch and engage with the tutorials, taking notes and asking clarifying questions.
Review 'Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?' by Michael J. Sandel
Show steps
Provides an in-depth exploration of key concepts discussed in the course, complementing and reinforcing learning.
View
Democracy’s Discontent: A New Edition for Our...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to key arguments and examples.
-
Take notes and highlight important passages.
-
Reflect on the ideas presented in the book and relate them to course topics.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend virtual events or webinars on topics related to the course
Show steps
Connects learners to experts in the field, exposes them to diverse perspectives, and broadens their knowledge base.
Show steps
-
Research and identify virtual events or webinars related to course topics.
-
Register and attend the events.
-
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and engage with speakers.
Engage in peer discussion and analysis
Show steps
Fosters collaborative learning and allows learners to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and deepen understanding of course concepts.
Show steps
-
Form or join a study group with peers.
-
Meet regularly to discuss course materials, analyze arguments, and share insights.
-
Engage in respectful and open-minded dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives.
Practice applying philosophical arguments
Show steps
Strengthens analytical and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for engaging with complex philosophical concepts and arguments in the course.
Browse courses on
Argumentation
Show steps
-
Identify and analyze arguments presented in course materials.
-
Construct and evaluate counter-arguments and alternative perspectives.
-
Participate in online discussions or forums to practice applying arguments.
Write a blog post or article on a course topic
Show steps
Encourages active engagement with course material, deepens understanding, and helps develop communication skills.
Show steps
-
Select a specific course topic or issue.
-
Research and analyze the topic thoroughly.
-
Develop a clear and concise thesis or point of view.
-
Write a well-structured blog post or article that presents your analysis and insights.
Develop a position paper on a contemporary ethical issue
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to apply course concepts and theories to real-world ethical issues, deepening understanding and fostering critical engagement.
Show steps
-
Identify a contemporary ethical issue related to the course topics.
-
Research and analyze different perspectives and arguments on the issue.
-
Develop a clear and well-reasoned position on the issue, supported by evidence and logical arguments.
-
Write a formal position paper outlining your position and supporting arguments.
Understand key concepts of political philosophy
Show steps
Helps establish a foundation in political philosophy, which is essential for understanding and critically evaluating the arguments presented in the course.
Browse courses on
Political Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key concepts and theories in political philosophy, such as utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Rawlsian liberalism.
- Read introductory texts or articles on political philosophy.
Explore online tutorials on classical and contemporary theories of justice
Show steps
Provides additional resources to supplement course materials and enhance understanding of different theoretical approaches to justice.
Browse courses on
Political Philosophy
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online platforms or resources offering tutorials on political philosophy.
- Select tutorials that cover relevant theories discussed in the course.
- Watch and engage with the tutorials, taking notes and asking clarifying questions.
Review 'Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?' by Michael J. Sandel
Show steps
Provides an in-depth exploration of key concepts discussed in the course, complementing and reinforcing learning.
View
Democracy’s Discontent: A New Edition for Our...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book thoroughly, paying attention to key arguments and examples.
- Take notes and highlight important passages.
- Reflect on the ideas presented in the book and relate them to course topics.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Attend virtual events or webinars on topics related to the course
Show steps
Connects learners to experts in the field, exposes them to diverse perspectives, and broadens their knowledge base.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify virtual events or webinars related to course topics.
- Register and attend the events.
- Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and engage with speakers.
Engage in peer discussion and analysis
Show steps
Fosters collaborative learning and allows learners to exchange ideas, challenge perspectives, and deepen understanding of course concepts.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Form or join a study group with peers.
- Meet regularly to discuss course materials, analyze arguments, and share insights.
- Engage in respectful and open-minded dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives.
Practice applying philosophical arguments
Show steps
Strengthens analytical and critical thinking skills, which are crucial for engaging with complex philosophical concepts and arguments in the course.
Browse courses on
Argumentation
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and analyze arguments presented in course materials.
- Construct and evaluate counter-arguments and alternative perspectives.
- Participate in online discussions or forums to practice applying arguments.
Write a blog post or article on a course topic
Show steps
Encourages active engagement with course material, deepens understanding, and helps develop communication skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a specific course topic or issue.
- Research and analyze the topic thoroughly.
- Develop a clear and concise thesis or point of view.
- Write a well-structured blog post or article that presents your analysis and insights.
Develop a position paper on a contemporary ethical issue
Show steps
Provides an opportunity to apply course concepts and theories to real-world ethical issues, deepening understanding and fostering critical engagement.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a contemporary ethical issue related to the course topics.
- Research and analyze different perspectives and arguments on the issue.
- Develop a clear and well-reasoned position on the issue, supported by evidence and logical arguments.
- Write a formal position paper outlining your position and supporting arguments.
Career center
Learners who complete Justice will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Legal Philosopher
Legal Philosopher
Legal Philosophers play an important role in teaching, writing, and researching the philosophies behind modern concepts of law. They also give testimony on issues such as political rights and affirmative action. Many Legal Philosophers worked as in academia as professors prior to assuming their current roles. A deep knowledge of the foundational texts of modern philosophy would be vital to success as a Legal Philosopher.
Professor
Professor
Professors at universities teach courses in law, ethics, or political science, which often involve many of the same topics that are covered in a Justice course. The course readings and discussions could be extremely helpful to an aspiring Professor, particularly one who is interested in teaching on the philosophies of modern issues.
Lawyer
Lawyer
Lawyers are a vital part of the justice system, representing clients in criminal and civil cases, helping them to navigate contract and property disputes, and advising businesses and organizations on legal matters. Courses like Justice provides a strong philosophical foundation that could be very valuable in their day to day work.
Researcher
Researcher
Researchers gather information about particular issues and topics, and prepare reports or recommendations. They need in-depth knowledge of specific political or philosophical issues. Completing a course such as Justice could materially strengthen one's application for such positions.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write articles about current events for newspapers, magazines, and websites. Some specialize in covering legal affairs and criminal justice, for which this course could provide a very strong foundation.
Policy Advisor
Policy Advisor
Policy Advisors help to analyze political issues and develop policies that address them. They need to be well-versed in the philosophies behind modern policies, which this course provides some of. Policy Advisors may need an advanced degree.
Politician
Politician
Politicians work to make decisions that affect the lives of everyone. Knowledge of the philosophies that underpin modern politics and justice could be very helpful for an aspiring politician.
Social Worker
Social Worker
Social workers help people who are struggling with social, emotional, or economic problems. Political philosophies could provide a useful framework from which to consider the problems and challenges of a given community.
Activist
Activist
Activists work to bring about change in society through various means, such as protests, lobbying, and public awareness campaigns. They typically believe strongly in an issue such as human rights, equality, or environmental protection. An in-depth understanding of the history of activism and the philosophies that underpin it could be very helpful.
Judge
Judge
Judges preside over legal proceedings and make decisions based on the law. A course like Justice may be particularly helpful for an aspiring judge to develop an understanding of the historical and philosophical underpinnings of the law.
Writer
Writer
Writers create literature, articles, and other written content. Taking a course like Justice could give fiction and nonfiction writers useful knowledge necessary to create informed and well-grounded works.
Philosopher
Philosopher
Philosophers study the fundamental nature of existence, knowledge, and reality. Completing a course on the philosophies of justice could provide a great foundation for an aspiring philosopher to build upon.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians provide access to information and resources to the public. They may work in a variety of settings, such as public libraries, school libraries, and research libraries. While completing this course would not be considered required reading for becoming a librarian, the course material may be potentially useful for academic librarians.
Priest
Priest
Priests are religious leaders who perform religious ceremonies and provide spiritual guidance to their communities. While taking a course on the philosophies of justice would not be considered required reading for this career, it could be useful for gaining a broader perspective on interfaith dialogue, morality, and spirituality.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers plan and deliver lessons to students in a variety of settings, such as schools, colleges, and universities. While this course may not be considered essential knowledge for teaching at all levels, the course material could be very useful for a high school history or social studies teacher.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fut1ph/justic
Featured in The Course Notes
This course is mentioned in our blog,
The Course Notes. Read
one article that features
Justice:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
Reading list
We've selected 14 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Justice.
Save
Is written by the instructor of the Justice course and explores the same topics that are covered in the course. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the material covered in the course.
Explores the idea of justice from a variety of perspectives. It challenging but rewarding read for students who are interested in learning more about the philosophy of justice.
Covers the major themes of political philosophy including justice, equality, liberty, and rights. It is an excellent overview of political philosophy and would be a good starting point for students taking the Justice course.
Explores the ethical issues that arise in the criminal justice system. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the ethical dilemmas that face criminal justice professionals.
Explores the ethical issues that arise in public policy. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the ethical dilemmas that face policymakers.
Explores the philosophical foundations of rights and wrongs. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about rights and wrongs.
Explores the different elements of justice. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about justice.
Collection of essays on justice by some of the world's leading philosophers. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about justice.
Explores the different ethical issues that arise in the criminal justice system. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about justice in the criminal justice system.
Explores the different ethical issues that arise in applied ethics. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about justice in different areas of life.
Explores the different philosophical issues that arise in the philosophy of law. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about justice from a philosophical perspective.
Save
This online encyclopedia good resource for students who want to learn more about the different topics covered in the Justice course. It good place to start for students who are new to the topic and who want to get a general overview of the different issues that are covered in the course.
Save
Explores the different theories of distributive justice. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about justice.
Explores the different theories of social justice. It good resource for students who want to learn more about the different ways to think about social justice.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/fut1ph/justic
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Rating
4.9
Effort
3 to 6 hours per week for 12 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructor
Michael J. Sandel
Language
English
Transcripts
English
Español
Português
Deutsch
中文
Featured in The Course Notes
Read
one article that features
this course,
Justice
from our blog, The Course Notes:
To read more articles from OpenCourser, visit:
OpenCourser.com/notes
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